Device and method for limiting travel in an exercise device, and an exercise device including such a limiting device

ABSTRACT

A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional application claiming the benefit ofprior U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/909,027, filed Mar. 30,2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a combination treadmill andstair-climbing machine. More particularly, the present invention relatesto limiting travel for such an exercise device.

BACKGROUND

Conventional combination treadmill and stair-climbing machines typicallyinclude a frame, a treadle assembly pivotally coupled to a base of theframe, and a resistance element coupled to the treadle assembly and anupright portion of the frame. The treadle assembly is configured totravel a distance in a generally upward direction and a generallydownward direction relative to the base of the frame. A piston rod ofthe resistance element extends when the treadle assembly is in theupward direction. When the treadle assembly travels in the downwarddirection, the piston rod is retracted or pushed into the resistanceelement.

SUMMARY

There exists in the art a need for a device to manipulate or adjust thedistance traveled by a treadle assembly in the upward and downwarddirections.

Embodiments may provide an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatusmay include: a frame; a treadle assembly operably coupled to the frameto travel in a first direction and a second direction that is oppositethe first direction; a resistance device operably coupling the treadleassembly to the frame and configured to provide resistance as thetreadle travels in the first direction and the second direction; andmeans for selectively limiting movement of the resistance device tothereby limit movement of the treadle assembly.

In embodiments, the frame may include a base and at least one uprightextending substantially vertically from the base. In such embodiments,the resistance device may operably couple the treadle assembly to the atleast one upright.

In embodiments, the treadle assembly may include a first treadleassembly and a second treadle assembly. The resistance device mayinclude a first resistance element operably coupling the first treadleassembly to the frame and a second resistance element operably couplingthe second treadle assembly to the frame. The means for selectivelylimiting movement of the resistance device may include means forselectively limiting movement of one of the first and second resistanceelements to thereby limit movement of one of the first and secondtreadle assemblies. Alternatively or additionally, the means forselectively limiting movement of the resistance device may include meansfor selectively limiting movement of the first resistance element andmeans for selectively limiting movement of the second resistance elementto thereby limit movement of the first and second treadle assemblies.

In embodiments, the resistance device may be configured to be movablebetween a maximum upper limit and a maximum lower limit. In suchembodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of theresistance device may be configured to set an upper limit for movementof the resistance device that is less than the maximum upper limit.

In embodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of theresistance device may comprise a spacer or a plurality of spacers.Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively limitingmovement of the resistance device may comprise a bracket configured toengage the resistance device in a plurality of vertical positions.

Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively limitingmovement of the resistance device may comprise a movable bracket. Insuch embodiments, the means for selectively limiting movement of theresistance device may further comprise means for selectively moving themovable bracket. In embodiments, the means for selectively moving themovable bracket may comprises a gear assembly. Alternatively oradditionally, the means for selectively moving the movable bracket maycomprise a pair of pivoting links.

Embodiments may provide an exercise apparatus including: a treadleassembly configured to travel in an upward direction and a downwarddirection; and means for selectively adjusting a distance traveled bythe treadle assembly in the upward and downward directions duringoperation of the exercise apparatus. In embodiments, the means forselectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly maycomprise at least one spacer. Alternatively or additionally, the meansfor selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assemblymay comprises a bracket including a plurality of vertical positions.Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively adjusting adistance traveled by the treadle assembly may comprise a movablebracket.

Embodiments may provide a method of selectively adjusting a distancetraveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise apparatus. The method maycomprise selectively positioning a means to determine a distancetraveled by the treadle assembly in upward and downward directionsduring operation of the exercise apparatus. In embodiments, selectivelypositioning the means may comprise selectively limiting movement of aresistance device operably coupled to the treadle assembly.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of an exercise device with atravel-limiting device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upright bracket illustrated in FIG. 1with a portion of an upright member of a frame and a piston rod of aresistance element in a first position of the upright bracket.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upright bracket of FIG. 1 with thepiston rod in a second position.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the upright bracketwith the piston rod in the first position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of a travel-limitingdevice.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the travel-limiting device FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the travel-limiting device illustratedin FIG. 5 with two spacers coupled to the piston rod.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the travel-limiting device of FIG. 5with three spacers coupled to the piston rod.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the travel-limiting device takenalong line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of the travel-limitingdevice.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partial exploded view of thetravel-limiting device illustrated of FIG. 10, without the uprightmember and the resistance element.

FIG. 12 is a reversed perspective view of the travel-limiting deviceillustrated of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the travel-limiting device illustrated ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another example of a travel-limitingdevice.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the travel-limiting device illustratedof FIG. 14, shown without the upright member of the exercise device.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the travel-limiting device takenalong line 16-16 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the travel-limiting device of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides a general structural framework forvarious embodiments of a dual treadmill exercise device having atravel-limiting device or means. Aspects of the present inventioninvolve various structures that may be employed to support thetravel-limiting device or means used on the exercise device.

With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exercise device may beconfigured to provide a user with a walking-type exercise, astepping-type exercise, or a climbing-type exercise that is acombination of both walking and stepping. In general, the exercisedevice may include two treadmill-like assemblies (each referred toherein as a “treadle”) pivotally connected with a frame so that thetreadles may pivot upward and down about an axis. The axis may be aphysical axis (axle) or may be a virtual axis defined by assemblies orcomponents that support each treadle to pivot. Each treadle may befurther coupled to the frame via one or more dampening or resistanceelements, so that each treadle may travel in an upward direction and adown direction for a distance with respect to a lower frame portion orbase. Operatively coupled to at least one of the resistance elements maybe a travel-limiting device or means. The travel-limiting device ormeans may configured to adjust, manipulate, or alter a distance that maybe traveled by the treadles, such that the distance is limited.

In use, a user may walk, jog, or run on the treadles. The treadles moveby reciprocating in the upward and down directions about a treadle pivotaxis while a belt or other tread surface moves along each treadle. Theuser may use the travel-limiting device to modify or manipulate thedistance that may be traveled by the treadles in the upward and downwarddirection.

A maximum lower limit for movement of the treadles may be preset by astop (not shown). For example, a stop may be disposed on each treadlethat interacts with the frame, the floor or another stationary part. Amaximum upper limit for movement of the treadles may be preset by a stop(not shown). For example, the stop limiting downward movement of onetreadle may limit upward movement of the other treadle via a linkage(not shown) that links movement of the treadles in opposite directions.Thus, the resistance element may have a corresponding maximum lowerlimit and a maximum upper limit.

Movement of the resistance device may be limited by setting an upperlimit that is less than its maximum upper limit using thetravel-limiting device. This results in the upward movement of thetreadle being limited to less than the maximum upper limit of thetreadles. Various means for selectively limiting movement of theresistance device to thereby limit movement of the treadle assembly aredisclosed herein. As will be understood in conjunction with theforegoing, such means may selectively limit movement of one of first andsecond resistance elements, when two resistance elements are employed,to thereby limit movement of at least that resistance element. Also,such means may comprise means for limiting movement of the firstresistance element and means for limiting movement of the secondresistance element.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of an exercise device 10.One embodiment of the exercise device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includesa travel-limiting device/means as an upright bracket, that is, a bracketcoupled to an upright member, configured to engage with a piston rod ofa resistance element in a first position. FIG. 2 is a perspective viewof the upright bracket illustrated in FIG. 1 with only a portion of anupright member of a frame of the exercise device shown to betterillustrate the upright bracket. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of theupright bracket of FIG. 2 with the piston rod in a different position ofthe upright bracket. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view ofthe upright bracket illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, the exercise device 10 may include a frame 20, afirst treadle assembly or treadle 12, a second treadle assembly ortreadle 14, a first dampening or resistance device 16, a second orresistance dampening or resistance device 18, and a travel-limitingdevice/means 100. Each treadle 12, 14 may include a front portion F anda rear portion R. The rear portions of the treadles 12, 14 are supportedabove the frame 20 and are configured to reciprocate in a generallyupward and downward manner during use. Each treadle 12, 14 also supportsand endless belt or tread belt B that rotates over a deck and about afront roller FR and a common roller CR to provide either a forward orrearward moving surface.

The frame 20 provides general structural support for the movingcomponents and other components of the exercise device 10. The frame 20may be set directly on the floor or may be supported on adjustable legs,cushions, bumpers, wheels, or combinations thereof. The frame 20 mayinclude a base portion 22, a first or right upright 24, and a second orleft upright 26. The base portion 22 may include a forward end regionand a rear end region, generally corresponding to the front F and rear Rof the treadles 12, 14. The first upright 24 is connected with a rightside of the forward end region of the base portion 22; likewise, thesecond upright 26 is connected to the left side of the forward region ofthe base portion 22. The uprights 24, 26 extend generally upwardly fromthe base portion 22, with a slight rearward sweep. As otherconfigurations of the uprights are possible, it should be understoodthat the uprights need only extend generally vertically upward from thebase of the frame, and may be perpendicular or angled as appropriate ordesired. In general, each upright may comprise a substantially verticalpost.

Each resistance device 16, 18 extends between each respective treadle12, 14 and the respective upright 24, 26 of the frame 20 to support thefront F of the treadles 12, 14 and to resist the downward movement ofeach treadle 12, 14. Each resistance device 16, 18 may be operablyconnected with the treadles 12, 14. As used herein the term “resistancedevice” is meant to include any device, structure, member, assembly, andconfiguration that resists movement, such as pivotal movement, of thetreadles. The resistance provided by the resistance device may beconstant, variable, and/or adjustable. Moreover, the resistance may be afunction of load, of time, of heat, or of other factors. Such aresistance device may provide other functions, such as dampeningdownward, upward, or both downward and upward directions of movement bythe treadles. The resistance device may also impart a return force onthe treadles such that if the treadles are in a lower position, theresistance device may impart a return force to move the treadle upward;or, if the treadle is in an upper position, the resistance device mayimpart a return force to move the treadle downward.

The resistance device(s) 16, 18 may be arranged at various locationsbetween the treadle(s) 12, 14 and the frame 20 of the exercise device10. The resistance devices may extend between a left or outer framemember of the left treadle and the left upright frame member and/or aright or outer frame member of the right treadle and the right uprightframe member. It should be understood that the movements of the treadlesmay be physically linked such that one resistance device operates forboth treadles.

Generally, each resistance element 16, 18 may include a cylinder 16 a,18 a filled with hydraulic fluid. A piston rod 16 b, 18 b extendsoutwardly from the cylinder. Within the respective cylinder, a piston(not shown) is connected with the respective piston rod. The pistondefines at least one orifice (not shown) through which hydraulic fluidmay flow, and may include a check valve (not shown). The pistonsubdivides the cylinder into two fluid filled chambers (not shown).During actuation of the resistance element, the piston either movesupward or down in the cylinder. In downward movement or extension of theresistance element, the fluid flows through the orifice at a rategoverned partially by the number of orifices and the size of theorifices. One particular resistance element that may be used is shownand described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,587 titled “Exercise Machine WithAdjustable-Resistance, Hydraulic Cylinder,” the entire disclosure ofwhich incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 1, both the right resistance element 16 and the leftresistance element 18 may include a treadle travel-limiting device/means100; otherwise, only one of the resistance elements may be associatedwith a travel-limiting device/means. A right travel-limitingdevice/means 100 and a left travel-limiting device/means 100 may besubstantially the same in structure and form; therefore, only a singletravel-limiting device/means 100 and structures associated therewithwill be discussed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a travel limiting device/means as an uprightbracket 100 couples the piston rod 16 b of the right resistance element16 to the first upright member 24. The upright bracket 100 allows a userto adjust the amount of the piston rod 16 b that is extended or pulledout of the resistance element 16 when the right treadle 12 is in alowest position. In other words, depending on the coupling position, theupright bracket 100 adjusts the amount of the piston rod 16 b that isavailable for the resistance device 16 to travel upward. The uprightbracket 100 thereby allows the distance that by the treadle 12 maytravel upward to be adjusted.

The upright bracket 100 projects from a surface 24 a of the uprightmember 24, and supports, holds and/or otherwise selectably engages theright resistance element 16 and thereby the treadle 12. The bracket 100may include a substantially upright back wall 110 including a firstsurface 112 and a second surface 114. The second surface 114 is affixedto the upright member 24. A first plate 116 extends from the back wall110, and a second plate 118 extends from the back wall 110 that isparallel to the first plate 116. Each of the first plate 116 and thesecond plate 118 may include a track 120. The track 120 may besubstantially diagonal from a top portion of the plate 116, 118 to abottom portion of the plate 116, 118 (i.e., may extend both horizontallyand vertically). It should be understood that the track 120 may extendonly vertically as well. The track 120 is sized and shaped to receive afastener 16 c that is associated with the piston rod 16 b.

Extending at an angle to the track 120 is a plurality of positiongrooves 122. Each groove 122 is sized and shaped to receive the fastener16 c of the piston rod 16 b. The groove 122 may also include an open endand a closed end. The open end may include a lip 122 a that aids inpreventing the fastener 16 c of the piston rod 16 b from backing out ofthe groove 122 absent an intentional force being applied. Based on aselected position groove 122, the piston rod 16 b may be pushed furtherinto or pulled out of the resistance element 16.

The fastener 16 c used to affix and secure the piston rod 16 b to theupright bracket 100 may include a threaded bolt or pin that extendsthrough an aperture of the piston rod 16 b and a nut that is affixed tothe threaded bolt. The bolt or pin, with the aid of a nut, may be usedto secure the piston rod 16 b to the bracket 100. In addition to the lip122 a, the bolt/pin and nut may aid in preventing the bolt/pin frombacking out of the groove 122 absent intentional force by the user.

In use, a user selects one of the grooves 122 to seat the fastener 16 cthat is attach the piston rod 16 b, thereby extending or retracting adesired amount of the piston rod 16 b from or into the resistanceelement 16. The desired amount of the piston rod 16 determines a maximumdistance by that treadle 12 may travel in the upward direction. Once theuser selects a groove 122, the user affixes the piston rod 16 within theselected groove 122 by inserting the bolt through the aperture of thepiston rod 16 b, resting the bolt within the selected groove 122, andsecuring the nut to the threaded portion of the bolt on an outer surfaceof the upright bracket 100. Thus, it should be understood that theupright bracket 100 may comprise means for selectively limiting movementof the resistance device or means for selectively adjusting a distancetraveled by the treadle assembly in the upward and downward directionsduring operation of the apparatus.

The following discussion relates to another example of a travel-limitingdevice/means. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the travel-limitingdevice/means as a space-limiting assembly 200 coupled to the piston rod16 b of the resistance device 16. FIG. 6 is another perspective view ofthe space-limiting assembly with one spacer coupled to the piston. FIG.7 is a perspective view of the space-limiting assembly with two spacerscoupled to the piston rod. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of thespace-limiting assembly with three spacers coupled to the piston rod.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the space-limiting assembly takenalong the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the space-limiting assembly 200 limits an amountof the piston rod 16 b inserted or retracted into the resistance element16, thereby limiting the distance that the treadle 12 may travel in theupward and downward direction. More particularly, the piston rod 16 b isaffixed to the upright member 24 via an upright bracket 24 b, and thespace-limiting assembly 200 is coupled to the piston rod 16 b of theresistance element 16, as discussed below.

The space-limiting assembly 200 may include a spacer 210, a plurality ofspacers 210 or a device configured to provide a selection of thickness,such as via plural spacers. The spacer 210 may include a coupling end212 and a rod-connecting end 214. The coupling end 212 may include afirst orifice 212 a and a second orifice 212 b. The rod-connectingportion 214 may be sized and shaped to contour to the piston rod 16 b ofthe resistance element 16. More specifically, the rod-connecting portion214 of each spacer 210 may include a U-shaped opening 214 a that gripsor otherwise engages on the piston rod 16 b.

The first orifices 212 a and the second orifices 212 b of each spacer210 of the space-limiting assembly 200 may be aligned. Seated within atleast one of the aligned orifices, e.g., the first orifices 212 a, ofeach spacer 210 is a threaded bolt 220. A nut 222 with a treadedaperture receives the threaded bolt 220. The bolt 220 couples thespacers 210 of the space-limiting device 200, and the nut 222 securesthe spacers 210 along the bolt 220 A pin (not shown) may be seatedwithin the second orifices 212 b of the spacers coupled to the pistonrod 16 b or not coupled to the piston rod 16 b to keep the spacers notcoupled to the piston rod 16 from interfering with movement of thepiston rod 16 b.

In use, a user couples one or more spacers 210 of the space-limitingassembly 200 to the piston rod 16 b of the resistance element 16 byattaching the rod-coupling end 214 of at least one of the spacers 210 tothe piston rod 16 b. For example, the user may couple one spacer 210 tothe piston rod 16 b. The coupled spacer 210 may reduce the amount of thepiston rod 16 b that is available for the resistance device 16 totravel. As the treadle 12 travels in the upward direction, only theavailable portion of the piston rod 16 b may travel into the resistanceelement 16, because the spacer 210 coupled to the piston rod 16 b stopsand prevents the remainder of the piston rod 16 b from being inserted.This in turn reduces the distance that may be traveled by the treadle 12in the upward direction. Additionally, the user may select multiplespacers or all of the spacers to manipulate the distance that may betraveled by the treadle 12 in the upward direction.

Thus, it should be understood that the spacer(s) 210 may comprise meansfor selectively limiting movement of the resistance device or means forselectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in theupward and downward directions during operation of the apparatus. Itshould also be understood that the space-limiting assembly 200 may becoupled to any suitable portion of the exercise device 10, for example,in case none of the spacers 210 are coupled to the piston rod 16 b.Alternatively, one of the spacers 210 may always be coupled to thepiston rod 16 b.

The following discussion relates to another example of a travel-limitingdevice/means. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the travel-limitingdevice/means as a variable gear adjustment device 300 coupled to thepiston rod 16 b of the resistance element 16 and to the upright member24. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the variable gear adjustment deviceillustrated in FIG. 10 shown without the upright member. FIG. 12 is abackside perspective view of the variable gear adjustment device of FIG.11. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the variable gear adjustment deviceillustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the variable gear adjustment device 300 mayinclude a gear mechanism to adjust the amount of the piston rod 16 bextended from the resistance element 16, thereby manipulating thedistance that the treadle 12 may travel in the upward direction. Thevariable gear adjustment device 300 resides partially within the uprightmember 24.

The variable gear adjustment device 300 may include a handle 310, a wormgear assembly 320, and an upright bracket assembly 330. The handle 310may include a shaft 312 with a knob 314 at one end. With the knob 314located on the outside of the upright member 24, the shaft 312 extendsthrough a hole in a surface of the upright member 24 and connects to theworm gear assembly 320. The worm gear assembly 320, in turn, connects tothe upright bracket assembly 330.

As the handle 310 is turned, the worm gear assembly 320 causes theupright bracket assembly 330 to move within a slot 24 c of the uprightmember 24. This causes the upright bracket assembly 330 to move upwardor downward to adjust the amount of the piston rod 16 b that extendsfrom the resistance element 16, which in turn changes the distanceavailable to be traveled by the treadle 12 in the upward direction. Forexample, if the worm gear assembly 320 lowers the upright bracketassembly 330, the upright bracket assembly 330 pushes the piston rod 16b into the resistance element 16 leaving less of the piston rod 16 bavailable for travel. On the other hand, if the worm gear assembly 320raises the upright bracket assembly 330, the upright bracket assembly330 pulls the piston rod 16 b out of the resistance element 16 leavingmore of the piston rod 16 b available for travel.

The worm gear assembly 320 may include a first gear 322 with a threadedshaft 322 a and a wheel gear 324 with teeth 324 a that mesh into thethreaded shaft 322 a. An axis of the first gear 322 is positioned at aright angle to an axis of the wheel gear 324. The first gear 322 alsomay include a bore 322 b that receives the shaft 312 of the handle 310,such that the shaft 312 is secured within the bore 322 b of the firstgear 322 to move therewith.

The upright bracket assembly 330 may include an upright bracket 332, aconnecting bracket 334, a bolt 336, and a threaded rod 338. The uprightbracket 332 may include a first longitudinal flat wall and a pair ofsidewalls 332 a extending therefrom. The flat wall may include a firstor front surface and a second or back surface. The front surface facesoutward toward the resistance element 16; the back surface faces inwardtoward the first surface 24 a of the upright member 24. Each of thesidewalls 332 a may include an aperture 332 b that is sized and shapedto receive the fastener 16 c that attaches the piston rod 16 b to thebracket 332.

Coupled to the back surface of the upright bracket 332 is one end of theconnecting bracket 334, the other end of the connecting bracket 334 isaffixed to the bolt 336. A shaft of the threaded rod 338 extends througha threaded hole of a first bracket 342, a first bushing 344, a threadedbore 324 b of the wheel gear 324, a second bushing 346, and a threadedhole of a second bracket 348. The threaded rod 338 may be secured in thebolt 336.

The first and second brackets 342, 348 also include a threaded orifice342 a, 348 a to received shafts of threaded fasteners or screws 342 b,348 b. The screws 342 b, 348 b extend through apertures in the frontsurface 24 a of the upright member 24 and into the threaded orifices.With the screws 342 b, 348 b in position, the worm gear assembly 320 issecured to the upright member 24.

In use, for example, a user turns the knob 314 in a first directioncausing the first gear 322 to rotate in the clockwise direction. As thefirst gear 322 rotates, the first gear 322 drives the wheel gear 324that engages the threaded rod 338 causing the bolt 336 to move in adownward direction toward the ground. As the bolt 336 travels downward,the upright bracket 332 also travels in the downward direction pushingthe piston rod 16 b into the resistance element 16, thereby reducing thedistance that the treadle 12 may travel in the upward direction.

When the user turns the knob 314 in a second opposite direction, thefirst gear 322 also rotates to drive the wheel gear 324. The threadedbore 324 a of the wheel gear 324 engages the threaded rod 338 causingthe bolt 336 to travel in an upward direction away from the ground. Asthe bolt 336 travels upward, the upright bracket 332 also travels in theupward direction, thereby pulling the piston rod 16 b out of theresistance element 16 and increasing the distance traveled by thetreadle 12 in the upward and down directions. Thus, it should beunderstood that the movable bracket 332 may comprise means forselectively limiting movement of the resistance device or means forselectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in theupward and downward directions during operation of the apparatus, andthat the gear assembly and threaded rod may comprise means forselectively moving the movable bracket.

It should understood that the directions in which the first gear, thewheel gear, and the threaded rod move may depend on the direction of thethreading. It should also be understood that the threaded rod may besecured to the wheel gear to turn therewith while being threadedlyengaged in the bolt of the bracket assembly.

The following discussion relates to another example of a travel-limitingdevice/means. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the travel-limitingdevice/means as a pivoting adjustment device 400. FIG. 15 is aperspective view of the pivoting adjustment device 400 illustrated inFIG. 14, shown without the upright member. FIG. 16 is a cross sectionalview of the pivoting adjustment device 400 taken along line 16-16 ofFIG. 14. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the pivoting adjustment device400 illustrated in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17, the pivoting adjustment device 400 may extendor retract the piston rod 16 b out of or into the resistance element 16,thereby manipulating the distance that the treadle 12 may travel in theupward direction. The pivoting adjustment device 400 may include anupright bracket 410, a L-shaped bracket 420, a first threaded pivotassembly 430, a second threaded pivot assembly 440, and a shaft 450including first and second threaded portions 452, 454 and a bolt 456.

The upright bracket 410 may include a first longitudinal flat wall 412and a pair of sidewalls 414 extending therefrom. The flat wall 412 mayinclude a first or front surface 412 a and a second or back surface 412b. The front surface 412 a faces outward toward the resistance element16; the back surface 412 b faces inward toward a surface of the uprightmember 24. Each of the sidewalls 414 may include an aperture 414 a thatis sized and shaped to receive the threaded bolt 456 for connecting tothe piston rod 16 b.

The L-shaped bracket 420 may include a first portion 422 and a secondportion 424. A surface of the first portion 422 is coupled to the secondsurface 412 b of the upright bracket 410, and rests within a slot 24 cof the upright member 24. The first and second pivot assemblies 430, 440are rigidly connected at opposite ends of the second portion 424 of theL-bracket 420. Welding, gluing, fastening devices or any other suitableapproach may accomplish this rigid connection.

The first and second pivot assemblies 430, 440 are mirror images of oneanother; therefore, only the first pivot assembly 430 will be discussedin detail herein. The first pivot assembly 430 may include a plate orlink 432 having a first hole 432 a located about a first end and asecond hole 432 b located near a second end. A threaded bolt 434 aextends through a washer 434 b, the first hole 432 a of the plate 432, abushing 434 c, and a bushing housing 434 d that is rigidly affixed toone end of the second portion 424 of the L-shaped bracket 420. A nut 434e having a threaded aperture receives the threaded bolt 434 a. Thisallows the first end of the 432 plate to be secured and pivotallyattached to the bushing 434 c and bushing housing 434 d such that theplate 432 and the bushing 434 d may pivot relative to the bushinghousing 434 e.

A second threaded bolt 436 a extends through a second washer 436 b, thesecond hole 432 b of the plate 432, a second bushing 436 c, and a secondbushing housing 436 d. A second nut 436 e having a threaded holereceives the second threaded bolt 436 a. This allows the second end ofthe plate 432 to be secured and pivotally attached to the bushing 436 cand the bushing housing 436 d, such that the plate 432 and the secondbushing 436 c may pivot relative to the second bushing housing 436 d.The second bushing housing 436 d may include a threaded bore 436 f thatis perpendicular to the threaded hole 432 b. The threaded bore 436 f isconfigured to cooperate with and receive the first portion 452 of thethreaded shaft 450.

The first and second pivot assemblies 430, 440 are located at oppositeends of the L-shaped bracket 420. More particularly, the first bushinghousing 434 d of the first pivot assembly 430 is affixed to the firstend 422 of the L-shaped bracket 420, and the first bushing housing(unnumbered) of the second pivot assembly 430 is affixed to a second end(unnumbered) of the L-shaped bracket 420 near the second portion 422 ofthe L-shaped bracket 420. The first and second threaded portions 452,454 of the shaft 450 are positioned in the first and second pivotassemblies 430, 440, respectively, such that their threaded holes 436 fare threaded in opposite directions of one another.

The bolt 456 of the threaded shaft 450 provides a head at one end and ashank at the other end. The first and second threaded portions 452, 454that may be threaded in opposite directions. The threaded shaft 450extends through a hole in a second surface 24 d of the upright member24, the threaded bores 436 f of each second bushing housing 436 d, andan aperture of a mounting bracket 460. The mounting bracket 460 isaffixed to a surface of an interior wall 24 e of the upright member 24.It secures the shank end of the bolt 456 to the upright 24. Thisprevents the shank end from freely moving as the treadle 12 is inoperation.

In use, for example, a user may turn the bolt 456, in a first direction,to rotate the threaded portions 452, 454 of the shaft 450 in eachbushing housing 436 d. This causes the second bushing housing 436 d tomove toward a center of the shaft 450 (i.e. toward each other). As thesecond bushing housings 436 d move toward the center of the shaft 450,the plates 432 pivot in an upward direction causing the L-shaped bracket420 to move in a generally upward direction. As the L-shaped bracket 420moves in the upward direction, the upright bracket 410 also moves in theupward direction, which in turn moves the piston rod 16 b in the upwarddirection. This set of movements increases the amount of piston rod 16 bthat is extended out of the resistance device 16, thereby increasing thedistance available to be traveled by the treadle 12 in the upwarddirection.

On the other hand, the user may turn the bolt 456, in a second oppositedirection, to cause the second bushing housings 436 d to move away fromone another. As the second bushing housings 436 d move away from oneanother, the plates 432 pivot and extend in a downward direction towardthe ground. This also transitions the L-shaped bracket 420 and theattached upright bracket 410 from a first position to a second positionin the downward direction, thereby pushing the piston rod 16 b down intothe resistance element 16. This action reduces the distance available tobe traveled by the treadle 12 in the upward direction. Thus, it shouldbe understood that the movable bracket 410 may comprise means forselectively limiting movement of the resistance device or means forselectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in theupward and downward directions during operation of the apparatus, andthat the pivoting links 432 may comprise means for selectively movingthe movable bracket.

While specific examples have been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing andmatching of features, elements and/or functions between various examplesis expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in theart would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/orfunctions of one example may be incorporated into another example asappropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present disclosure without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the presentdisclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by thedrawings and described in the specification as the best mode presentlycontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the scope of thepresent disclosure will include any embodiments falling within theforegoing description and the appended claims.

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame; a treadle assemblyoperably coupled to the frame to travel in a first direction and asecond direction that is opposite the first direction; a resistancedevice operably coupling the treadle assembly to the frame andconfigured to provide resistance as the treadle travels in the firstdirection and the second direction; and means for selectively limitingmovement of the resistance device to thereby limit movement of thetreadle assembly.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein theframe includes a base and at least one upright extending substantiallyvertically from the base, the resistance device operably coupling thetreadle assembly to the at least one upright.
 3. The exercise apparatusof claim 1, wherein: the treadle assembly comprises a first treadleassembly and a second treadle assembly; the resistance device comprisesa first resistance element operably coupling the first treadle assemblyto the frame and a second resistance element operably coupling thesecond treadle assembly to the frame; and the means for selectivelylimiting movement of the resistance device comprises means forselectively limiting movement of one of the first and second resistanceelements to thereby limit movement of one of the first and secondtreadle assemblies.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein: thetreadle assembly comprises a first treadle assembly and a second treadleassembly; the resistance device comprises a first resistance elementoperably coupling the first treadle assembly to the frame and a secondresistance element operably coupling the second treadle assembly to theframe; and the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistancedevice comprises means for selectively limiting movement of the firstresistance element and means for selectively limiting movement of thesecond resistance element to thereby limit movement of the first andsecond treadle assemblies.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the resistance device is configured to be movable between amaximum upper limit and a maximum lower limit; and the means forselectively limiting movement of the resistance device is configured toset an upper limit for movement of the resistance device that is lessthan the maximum upper limit.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1,wherein the means for selectively limiting movement of the resistancedevice comprises at least one spacer.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim6, wherein the at least one spacer comprises a plurality of spacers. 8.The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for selectivelylimiting movement of the resistance device comprises a bracketconfigured to engage the resistance device in a plurality of verticalpositions.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pluralityof vertical positions are defined by a plurality of vertically spacedslots.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the slots arehorizontally offset.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein themeans for selectively limiting movement of the resistance devicecomprises a movable bracket.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11,wherein the movable bracket is configured to move substantiallyvertically.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the meansfor selectively limiting movement of the resistance device furthercomprises means for selectively moving the movable bracket.
 14. Theexercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for selectively movingthe movable bracket comprises a gear assembly.
 15. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, wherein the means for selectively moving themovable bracket comprises a pair of pivoting links.
 16. An exerciseapparatus, comprising: a treadle assembly configured to travel in anupward direction and a downward direction; and means for selectivelyadjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly in the upward anddownward directions during operation of the exercise apparatus.
 17. Theexercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for selectivelyadjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly comprises at leastone spacer.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the meansfor selectively adjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assemblycomprises a bracket including a plurality of vertical positions.
 19. Theexercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for selectivelyadjusting a distance traveled by the treadle assembly comprises amovable bracket.
 20. A method of selectively adjusting a distancetraveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise apparatus, the methodcomprising: selectively positioning a means to determine a distancetraveled by the treadle assembly in upward and downward directionsduring operation of the exercise apparatus.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein selectively positioning the means comprises selectively limitingmovement of a resistance device operably coupled to the treadleassembly.